Brian A. Kang

Partner

Brian Kang’s practice currently focuses on advising clients on a diverse range of regulatory, land use, government, and public affairs issues. He also works closely with the firm’s Public Affairs Group to assist clients in understanding, shaping and complying with legislative and regulatory priorities.

Mr. Kang has over two decades of experience in providing efficient, strategic and practical counsel within the context of Hawai‘i’s unique regulatory and political environment. His recent experience includes assisting with entitlements for major land use projects, including one of the largest urban master planned community developments in the state; developing policies and procedures for organizations involved in state and federal elections; analyzing campaign finance, lobbying and ethics compliance issues for major corporations, unions and non-profits; analyzing and recommending revisions to administrative rules from various agencies; and representing clients in matters before the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Campaign Spending Commission.

Education
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, B.A., Journalism
  • Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude
Community Involvement
  • Member, Kaimuki Neighborhood Board
  • Moanalua High School Mock Trial Co-Coach
  • National High School Mock Trial Tournament Scoring Judge
  • Member, Blue Ribbon Recodification Committee, State Campaign Spending Commission
  • Chair, Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School Community Council
Notable Cases
  • Hamamoto v. Ige, 881 F.3d 719 (9th Cir. 2018) (constitutional/election law)
  • Hui Kako‘o Aina Ho‘opulapula v. Board of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i, 112 Hawai‘i 28, 143 P.3d 1230 (2006) (land use / administrative law)
  • Keahole Defense Coalition, Inc. v. Board of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i, 110 Hawai‘i 419, 134 P.3d 585 (2006) (land use / administrative law)
  • Liberty Mutual Fire Ins. Co. v. Dennison, 108 Hawai‘i 380, 120 P.3d 1115 (2005) (insurance coverage)
  • Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. v. Transamerica Ins. Co., 89 Hawai‘i 157, 969 P.2d 1275 (1998) (insurance coverage)